PET ALERT: Dog disease linked to autumn woodland walks

A charity is highlighting the dangers of Seasonal Canine Illness (SCI) as dog owners take to the countryside.

Jerry Green Dog Rescue is calling for dog owners to be extra vigilant during the autumn months especially following visits to woodland.

Seasonal Canine Illness is a mysterious and potentially fatal illness which can affect dogs of any age, sex or breed. The cause of SCI is unknown and as yet there are no known preventative measures.

Jerry Green staff are urging pet owners to look out for the most common clinical signs of SCI which include the sudden onset of sickness, diarrhoea and lethargy.

Other signs of the illness include loss of appetite, shaking or trembling, high temperature and abdominal pain typically experienced within 72 hours of walking in woodland.

Amanda Raworth-Hayes, Fundraiser at Jerry Green Dog Rescue, said: “It’s important to contact your vet immediately if you notice any of the early signs of SCI in your dog.

“If SCI strikes, the sooner a dog is referred to the vet the better its chances of survival.

“Fortunately, in recent years there has been a dramatic decrease in the number of fatal cases of SCI, which could be down to the increase in awareness of the illness.

”If you are a dog owner, or know someone who is, please be aware and share this information; together we can prevent the loss of dogs from this horrible illness.”

Worried owners should speak to their vet about spray treatments for ectoparasites (fleas, ticks and mites) which can be applied just before walking in woodland as a preventative measure again harvest mites.

If you are a dog owner, or know someone who is, please be aware and share this information